Application of Aeroelastic Tailoring for Load Alleviation on a Flying Demonstrator Wing

This article presents the application of aeroelastic tailoring in design wings for a flying demonstrator, as well validation methodology with flight test results. The investigations were performed FLEXOP project (Flutter Free Flight Envelope Expansion Economical Performance Improvement), funded under Horizon 2020 framework. aimed at methods and tools active flutter control, demonstration potential passive load alleviation through composite tailoring. technologies to be demonstrated by design, manufacturing testing an unmanned aerial vehicle approximately 7 m wingspan. addresses work towards goals. primary load-carrying wing-box this task is using joint DLR–TU Delft optimization strategy. Two sets are designed order demonstrate benefits tailoring—first, reference wing which laminates members restricted balanced symmetric laminates; second, tailored allowed unbalanced, hence allowing shear–extension bending–torsion couplings essential Both designs numerically optimized, then manufactured extensively tested validate improve simulation models corresponding designs. tests performed, results form basis applied approach presented article.